Inspiration – Page 7

White-washed Vlacherna Monastery in the middle of a bay with mountains in the background

Vlacherna Monastery, Greece: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on December 3, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Greece, Inspiration.

With white-washed walls and a bell tower entrance, the Vlacherna Monastery is a picturesque islet set against the backdrop of the sparkling turquoise Gulf of Halikiopoulos. From the towering mountains in the distance, to the stone walkway that connects the quaint monastery to the coastal mainland, this mini-historical-site is one of the most emblematic of Corfu.

Originally built in the 17th century, the Vlacherna Monastery only served as a religious sight until 1980. After that, it became an event space to host weddings and receptions. The tiny church is open to the public along the gift shop that often spills out onto the patio in front of the church, selling woven blankets and other goods. Locals (as well as travelers) visit the chapel to light candles, a serene touch to the already peaceful space.

Parking is available in Kanoni, then walk down along the narrow jetty leading to the church. Although you don’t need a lot of time at Vlacherna Monastery, you could spend a morning or afternoon between here and the neighboring Mouse Island, making for a quintessential and picturesque stop. If you feel so inclined, there are a couple of cafes on the mainland village of Perama for when you want to grab a bite to eat and have a sweeping view of the bay.

Featured image: © Milosducati | Dreamstime.com

8 Unique Travel Gifts

Written by Iulian Milcomete on November 30, 2020. Posted in Inspiration.

Struggling to find that perfect gift for someone special? The world is your oyster! (well, for shopping at least). These unique travel gifts will be a reminder of the wonderful sights, tastes, feelings, and smells of Europe. Treat yourself! After this year, why not? Or gift something thoughtful to friends or family during this uncertain time. And please accept our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy holiday.

This post contains affiliate links. While we whole-heartedly recommend these products regardless, we may earn a small commission when you click on the links, at no additional cost to you.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Part of Muraglia’s Pop Art Collection, this award-winning extra-virgin olive oil is presented in a handcrafted ceramic container that features a whimsical octopus design by an Italian artist. Produced in Northern Apulia from Peranzana olives, enjoy it in vinaigrettes, soups and sauces – or drizzle it over pasta, grilled meat, chicken and seafood.

Around the World in 80 Plates

Fancy yourself a god of gourmet? Think you’re a chef connoisseur? Put your knowledge to the test with this fun game, featuring 80 questions putting your knowledge of food, and where it’s eaten, to the test. This is one of my favorite British stores to browse for gifts, so get your shopping cart ready!

Artwork by Greek Artist

This series is reminiscent of land texture in a unique combination with water, expressed in the art language by color in blue hues, black background and gold elements, as well as by art resin and its wet, transparent sensation. A harmonious and yet explosive result, from a definitely exciting journey.

Liberty Silk Scarf

One of four designs created in an exclusive series, this Liberty silk scarf was painted at home as an artistic response to the hope and love felt within our community during lockdown – each scarf is a limited edition of just 100, signed with a handwritten commemorative card. Since its opening in London in 1875, Liberty has been renowned for its timeless, luxury fabrics and beautiful patterns.

Stroopwafels

The perfect Dutch dessert, Daelmans stroopwafels are inspired by the original stroopwafel sold by street-side vendors in 18th-century Netherlands. They’re irresistible on their own and a fine complement to hot chocolate, coffee or tea. I resisted the temptation to share all of my other favorite delicacies featured on this website, there’s something for everyone!

Personalized Portuguese Cutting Board

Beautiful, glass cutting board featuring your choice of name and Portuguese Blue Azulejos (tiles). Prep and chop your vegetables for all of your delicious recipes, then pop it in the dishwasher to clean. Perfect for cooking or simply display it as a beautiful and unique decor piece in your kitchen.

Fondue Set

Let your mind transport you to a cozy cabin in the snowy mountains of Switzerland as you enjoy a romantic date night in with some melted cheese and chocolate to warm your bellies. Including everything you need to serve fondue, this set contains 4 fondue forks, fondue pot, base, and 3 tea lights.

Home Fragrance from Florence

Giglio di Firenze is a delicate yet steady home fragrance. Powdery with elegant and comforting clean notes, it is ideal for relaxing living spaces: bedroom, living room, study-library and even an entrance. Created in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Dr. Vranjes Firenze, this pays homage to the symbol of Florence since the 11th century, the giglio (a red lily).

Hellbrunn Palace, Austria: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on November 30, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Austria, Inspiration.

Built in 1619 by Salzburg archbishop Markus Sittikus, the Hellbrunn Palace was created as a summer playhouse for the archbishop to entertain guests on hot afternoons. Today, visitors are welcomed to take a refreshing tour of the Trick Gardens and see what the world’s funnest castle is all about!

Constructed on top of a natural spring, water is the primary focus of the Hellbrunn Palace, though practical jokes come in at a close second. Archbishop Sittikus had a keen sense of humor when he came into office, constructing a daytime-only palace (there are no bedrooms in castle) for his friends and guests to be entertained. They would start by feasting at an outdoor table in the garden, only to be shocked when fountains of water sprung from the tabletop and from under their buttocks! What a refreshing prank on a hot, summer day!

As the day continued, Sittikus would take his guests on a tour of his gardens to see the water-operated and music-playing Rock Theater, as well as various fountains that would be activated by Sittikus himself. One fountain to note is a grotto and crown being pushed up and down by a fountain, symbolizing the rise and fall of power; the archbishop never took himself too seriously.

Visitors today can expect to get wet if taking the tour. As if the palace full of oddities and amusing Trick Gardens weren’t enough, the extravagant summer property has an extensive network of footpaths to explore!

Featured image: © Hans | Pixabay

St. Beatus Caves, Switzerland: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on November 30, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Switzerland.

The St. Beatus Caves are a natural phenomenon full of mystery, legend, and awe-inspiring wonder; it also may be Switzerland’s best kept secret. With waterfalls, underground gorges, ravines, and soaring stalactite-covered ceilings, this intricate cave system is a fairytale of stone, high above Lake Thun.

As legend has it, Saint Beatus of Lungern was a monk and hermit of early Christianity who evangelized in the mountains surrounding Lake Thun during the 2nd century. While exploring the caves and attempting to make them his home, Saint Beatus was met by a ferocious dragon with flames coming from his eyes. The monk fought and defeated the dragon, successfully making the maze of tunnels his hermitage, as well as saving the local Swiss villages from the beast. Or so the story goes.

With 9 miles worth of caves having been uncovered and mapped so far, the vast labyrinth of limestone is a wonder. You don’t have to enter the caves to be amazed, however; even glimpsing the outside of the monastery on the side of the cliff is a delight for your eyes! With multiple waterfalls streaming from under the beautiful architecture, and with the view of Lake Thun and the Alps behind you, everywhere you turn looks as though it is straight from a storybook.

That must’ve been what J.R.R Tolkein thought when he visited the site in 1911. It is said that the St. Beatus Caves were his inspiration for the mystical Elven realm of Rivendell.

Please note: it’s a 15 minute hike to get to the caves. The hiking trail and waterfalls are open year-round; the caves, restaurant, and museum are open March through November.

Featured image: © Atmosphere1 | Dreamstime.com

Sezincote Estate, England: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 27, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, UK.

If you’re looking for an oddly exotic oasis in the middle of the United Kingdom, head over to Sezincote Estate in Gloucestershire for an eclectic afternoon in the gardens. Nestled in the middle of the Cotswold countryside, this majestic gem is intriguing with its Neo-Mughalai design, onion-domed rooftop, elephant statues, and meticulously manicured property.

In 1805, Charles Cockerell inherited the Jacobean manor from his brother, renovating it with the help of his other brother, architect Samuel Pepys Cockerell. Having made his fortune by trading in India, Charles wanted his estate to mimic the Rajasthani palaces that he so adored; from the sandstone exterior decorated with peacock feathers to the patinated dome crowning the manor in glory, Charles’s vision came to life.

With 4,500 acres to explore, this extravagant property of the Sezincote Estate is certainly one to behold. Travel the pebbled pathways to the serpent fountain, then the crescent bridge featuring Brahmin bulls, and finally the elephant structures nearer to the mansion. With Indian symbolism scattered throughout the property, don’t be surprised if you see a lotus flower sitting amidst the English horticulture. Some call it the English Taj Mahal; its mix of various architectural and stylistic designs is extraordinary.

Featured image: © Geoffrey Allerton | Dreamstime.com

Jardin Exotique de Monaco, France: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 15, 2020. Posted in Adventure, France, Inspiration.

Located on the dramatic cliffside of Monaco, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco is the perfect day trip if you’re staying in the south of France. With succulents, cacti, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the flourishing garden is a mountain oasis for all ages. As part of the Jardin Exotique, we suggest taking a guided tour of the beautiful grotto on the property!

Originally brought from Mexico in the late 1860s, the succulents were grown by Augustin Gastaud, Chief Gardener of the State Gardens of Monaco, in the Jardin St Martin. The exotic plants were later transplanted by Prince of Monaco Albert I to a piece of land in Les Moneghetti in 1912. This property was the start of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco.

During the construction of walking paths and footbridges, it was found that the property was sitting on an ancient grotto, filled with evidence of prehistoric human inhabitants. It is well worth it to take a tour of the enchanting underground cavern. There is also a museum of Prehistoric Anthropology within the gardens to display the findings of the excavation.

Over the years, exotic plants have been added to the garden from all over the world; you will find vegetation from Central and South America, South and Oriental Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and the South-West of the USA. With such a diverse range of plants, along with the stunning view over Monaco’s shining coast, the Jardin Exotique is a fantastic stop along the Mediterranean for a picturesque afternoon.

Meteora, Greece: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 12, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Greece, Inspiration.

“Hovering in the air,” the Meteora monasteries are pillars of beauty, ingenuity, architecture, history, faith and culture amidst the rocky landscape of Greece’s inlands. Built into the rocky columns, the six active monasteries each have their own personalities and histories; all are worth traveling to!

During the 11th century, the area was settled by monks living in caves within the mountains. As the Turkish occupation expanded, the monks moved higher into the cliffs of Meteora, until they reached the inaccessible peaks in which they now sit. With ladders, baskets, and pulley systems, the monks were able to build incredible buildings atop the stone pillars in order to live out their days of devotion and hermitage. Today, only a handful of monks live at the properties and maintain their way of life, despite the visitors seeking peace, culture, and of course, a stunningly beautiful view!

To say that ‘the hike into the monasteries is picturesque’ would be an understatement. Though, it is not for the faint of heart. Parts of the trails (in particular, the trail leading to The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas) can be difficult for some as it is very steep. Thankfully, there are now roads that connect the monasteries; you can drive in, park, and walk just a short distance to arrive at the spectacular structures. Please note: the monasteries have differing closing times as well as lunch breaks. Be sure to check the dress code requirements before you arrive.

Tall statue of Gregory of Nin reading from a document with a bell tower looming in the background

Gregory of Nin, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 11, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Croatia, Inspiration.

Standing watch in front of the Golden Gates of Split, Gregory of Nin serves as the protector of the city, and protector of the Croatian language. Be sure to stop at Gregory’s statue for a bit of good luck; locals have rubbed his big toe for years hoping for good fortune in their endeavors.

In 926, Pope Ivan X outlawed Slavic languages in the Church; Latin was the single permitted language to be used for Mass and Church business. As very few Croatians spoke Latin, Grgur Ninski (a medieval bishop of Nin) made his opinion known loud and clear, to the detriment of his position. With passionate speeches and declaratory accusations, Gregory championed the Croatian language, and fought to keep it within the Church for the sake of the Croatian people.

Towering at 28 feet tall, the statue of Gregory of Nin is a well loved monument with locals and globe-trotters alike. Although his body is deep bronze in color, a single toe is now a smooth, golden surface due to years of being rubbed for good luck. Originally erected in the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, the statue was relocated multiple times; Gregory of Nin now stands guard at the entrance to the city, symbolizing hope and national pride for all who enter.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Spain: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on July 30, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Spain.

A neoclassical-romantic estate museum, and the oldest garden in Barcelona, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta makes for a picturesque afternoon in nature. With ornate fountains, marble statues, and a reflection pool all vying for your attention, the main attraction of this grand garden surely is its extravagant cypress maze.

Entering the park, you’ll walk through an ornate gate and notice the palace of the Desvalls (the original owners of the property). The Desvall’s neo-classical estate began work in 1791, and was renovated and updated in the mid-19th century, adding a romantic garden that included a waterfall, gazebos, and plenty of flower beds. If you look close enough, you’ll notice depictions of Greek mythology on the sculptures and architecture.

When you’re feeling brave, head to the neoclassical garden, down to the lower terrace, and enter the winding labyrinth. Make your way around corners and down corridors of pollarded cypress trees until you reach the center of the maze: the statue of Eros. If you can find your way back out of this winding puzzle, your next stop is the two pavilions: the first was created in the Italian style featuring temples, columns, and statues. The second is dedicated to the nine muses and is home to a large pond and natural spring.

Continuing towards the romantic garden, you’ll find beautiful flower beds surrounding various motifs alluding to themes of death. If you head all the way down to the northernmost end of the romantic garden, you’ll find a stunning waterfall covered in moss.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta has stood the test of time, and changed with time to become the glorious estate it is today. With a plethora of nooks, pavilions, and corners to explore, this garden makes for a romantic and adventurous day out!

Isola San Giulio, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on July 25, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Italy.

Peeking up out of Lake Orta, just 400 meters from shore, the fairytale Isola San Giulio emerges from the rippling waves in the form of a beautiful and quaint village. With soaring mountains as the backdrop, and with picturesque architecture in both renaissance and baroque styles, the tiny island is irresistibly photogenic.

As you first arrive at the dock, follow the “way of silence and meditation,” a narrow street that meanders around the entirety of the island. Along the way, stop by the Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio (a 19th century seminary, and the top attraction of St. Julius Island), the bishop’s palace, and the Benedictine abbey. This abbey is still a permanent convent of cloistered nuns who devote themselves to prayer, study, restoration of church vestments, and making the famous “pane di San Giulio.”

There are a handful of mansions to visit while exploring the secluded island, including Villa Perone and Villa Crespi, both of which are magnificently styled with gardens. Most of the other buildings on the Isola San Giulio are private residences, though one of the oldest, Villa Tallone, opens yearly to host classical concerts.

With a rich history, and a whole lot of beauty and character, St. Julius Island is a perfect day trip for those traveling within the Piedmont area of Italy and looking for a remote adventure.